Center for Education Reform
CER Newswire
Vol. 9, No. 15
April 17, 2007
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A weekly report on education news and commentary you won't find anywhere else, spiced with a dash of irreverence, from the nation's leading voice in school reform. See our Newswire Library for an archive of back issues.
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OUR CONDOLENCES
It is beyond all comprehension why Virginia Tech students, families, friends and faculty had to experience the horrific events of Monday. When lives are lost, it hurts no matter what the circumstances. But young lives at work in the quest to build their education somehow cut deeper. We are full of sorrow over those lost lives, the people who were hurt, and all concerned. Our hearts, our prayers and our spirits are with them. May their faith, family and friends get them through the unimaginable pain they must have.
BLOG REPORT
GRIND ON. For those of you who have been waking up every morning with a daily jolt from your favorite caffeinated education blog, get ready for a new roast. The Center for Education Reform has taken over the popular education reform blog, Edspresso. Only those with the most sophisticated education blog palate will notice a difference in flavor, but expect to see exciting online debates and commentaries from education experts, policy makers, parents, advocates, and administrators. This week kicked of with more Daily Shots and a new commentary on how "The Education World is Flat." The coming days and weeks will brew thoughts from Washington Post columnist Jay Mathew, Joe Nathan, Director of the Center for School Change, Lew Solmon, President of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, and Kevin Chavous, Former DC Council Member and education reform advocate. To submit a guest commentary, email edspresso@edreform.com. And don't forget, after your morning shot, visit CER's EdReform Blog at www.edreform.com/blog/ to comment on the 2008 Election, mayoral takeovers, and more of the hottest education reform news.
LEGISLATIVE WATCH
THE GOOD.
Colorado: It could be a backlash from the horrifically stupid remarks of Rep. Mike Merrifield, but charter schools are suddenly claiming a couple of victories in the Centennial State. First, a hostile charter school bill (SB 199) that would have allowed districts to charge charter schools for services they didn't use, was suddenly stripped of its anti-charter provisions and now offers $8.5 million in capital construction. And in the other good news, Senate Bill 61, which would have stymied the work of a charter school authorizer in the state, has reached a stalemate in the Legislature and is unlikely to pass.
THE SORTA GOOD.
Maine: It's been a year, and apparently it's time for another legislative go-around in the fight for charter schools in Maine. Last year, a charter school bill that would have allowed for the creation of up to 20 charter schools in the state was defeated in the Senate by a narrow 18-16 vote. Now the issue is back before the legislature - with compromises - for another vote. The new proposal, which would still allow up to 20 charter schools, went before the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee on Friday. This time the bill, sponsored by Rep. Boyd Marley (D-Portland), would allow for the creation of theme-based charter schools that would have to be housed within existing conventional public schools. Despite the compromise, the Maine Association for Public Charter Schools is backing the measure. No word from the unions...but everyone can guess their stance. And no doubt last year's top status quo supporter, Sen. Elizabeth Schneider (D-Orono), will speak up again. Last year she said, "It seems odd we want to establish a new program when we already have a solution to satisfy the needs of students. Especially when we need to fund education more adequately." Who needs a comment from the unions when there are statements like that sure to be floating around again?
Georgia: With only four days left in the legislative session, the Georgia Legislature is a hotbed of school choice. Time is running out, but lawmakers in the Peach State are currently considering a voucher bill that would provide money for special-needs students to attend the school of their choice, a charter school bill that would create new charter districts, and a multiple charter authorizer bill that would create more, and higher quality, charter schools. This is all good news - if lawmakers spend their last four days wisely.
THE UGLY.
Ohio: Last week, Newswire highlighted Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland's attack on all school choice in Ohio. Nothing has changed in his stance this week, but charter and choice supporters have rallied in Toledo and made their voices heard loud and clear across the Buckeye State. To join in the call to defend charter schools and school choice, visit www.myschoolmychoice.org.
STANDARDS AND ACCOUNTABILITY
THE INSIDE SCOOP. Few people are lucky enough to get a good look inside the White House. Even fewer get a chance to sit down with the President of the United States and offer their opinion. But with No Child Left Behind up for reauthorization, education leaders (including CER president Jeanne Allen) and business leaders were invited to the Roosevelt Room last week for a conversation on the education law. The President and Education Secretary Margaret Spellings were also joined by Dr. Craig Barrett, Chairman of the Board at Intel; Tom Donohue, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce; and Tom Luce III, CEO of National Math and Science Initiative, among others. With a focus on improving our education system to compete in a global market, many of the business leaders stressed accountability and the need to break from the status quo. That theme was echoed by Jeanne Allen, who added that school choice must have a broader role in the future of the bill. And it was clear the President was listening, opening up discussion on choice, mayoral takeovers, and charter schools. "He knows the challenges and perceptions," Jeanne Allen said after the event. The President concluded the meeting, noting, "I believe the No Child Left Behind Act needs to be reauthorized because it's working. It's a piece of legislation which believes in setting high standards and using accountability to make sure that every single child gets a good education."
In Other News
BUILDING AN EXCELLENT CAREER. Building Excellent Schools (BES) is dedicated to improving academic achievement for students in the nation's urban schools. And now they are looking to improve the lives and careers of qualified candidates. The Building Excellent Schools Fellowship, a 12-month rigorous training program that teaches leaders to design and manage charter schools, is looking for qualified candidates. Click here for more information or to apply.
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